Happy Friday,

It's a pleasure to step back from album preparation to write you this week's pairing, which is partly inspired hearing of my youngest nephew, Everett, choosing this artist for his morning listen in the car en route to first grade.

I hope both wine and song start your weekend off on a high note.

Juice

I feel like hefty reds can be a wintertime go-to for wine lovers this time of year, yet there's something bright and seasonally combatting about the right vivacious white -- as in the case of the ​Ferrando "Torraza/Etichetta Bianca" Erbaluce di Caluso 2023.​​

Erbaluce is a rarely-seen grape native to the Piedmont region of Italy -- and it's by no means plentiful even there. As with some of the noblest grapes, it's very versatile -- its acidity and verve mean the grape translates beautifully to sparkling, still, sweet and dry wines.

The flavors of this straw colored wine win you over right away -- with lime and nectarine fruit, a powdery floral hint, a salted sour candy quality in the middle of the palate. What strikes me most is how all the flavor is so very in focus. The wine evokes stone in restraint and structure, tasting like a beam of wintertime sunshine.

Jazz

An unexpected ingredient can be just the right thing, in the right hands. Lionel Hampton (1908-2002) didn't invent the vibraphone, yet, his artistry with the instrument brought it from the shadows into the light, forevermore an expressive solo instrument in jazz.

His striking way with the instrument (pun intended), facility, and musicianship all create a sound with drive and energy even as it bathes you in its golden glowy tone.

Hampton’s signature tune which he wrote with Benny Goodman, "Flying Home" (1939), is an essential listen of the jazz canon. I chose this recording of his hit because you hear so much of him in it. A great tune lends itself to myriad versions -- the 1942 Benny Goodman Orchestra rendition is the most famous, so I'm including that as well. Enjoy!

Flying Home Lionel Hampton PREVIEW   ​

Flying Home Lionel Hampton, Illinois Jac... PREVIEW   ​

Oh, and a little good news on the Two Notes front -- we were honored to be named #20 in Renegade Wines of Santa Barbara's best wines of 2024. We're excited about it.:)

Truly,

Kristen